Week 1 is in the books. There is no better feeling (in the fantasy realm anyways) than the first week of a fantasy sport. I myself was at a friend’s birthday celebration at a sports bar on Friday night. Instead of paying attention to the festivities around me, I had my eyes glued on one of the televisions just to watch the scores scroll by the bottom of the screen. Hey, birthday’s come and go, but Chris Bosh was in the midst of a 37-12 game. Clearly, I had my priorities straight.

Injuries

Vince Carter (SG, SF), Orlando Magic

Vinsanity left Friday’s game after suffering a sprained ankle. He was warming up, hoping to play Sunday, but experienced too much pain. He hopes to play Tuesday against Detroit.

Devin Harris (PG), New Jersey Nets

Harris will be out of action for at least a week with a sore groin. He originally injured it in a preseason game, and the pain is bad enough that he has chosen to sit out a few games. Rafer Alston replaced Harris on Saturday and came away with 20 pts, eight assists, and three 3PTM.

LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, C), Portland Trail Blazers

Aldridge left Sunday’s game against the Thunder after banging knees with Oklahoma City’s Jeff Green. Aldridge did not return and was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his knee. Consider him day-to-day.

Best Players of the Week

Point Guard

Louis Williams (PG, SG), Philadelphia 76ers

Williams’ first stint as a starting point guard is leading to a huge season. In three games, he shot an absurd 63.6% from the field which led to 20.3 points. He capped it all of by averaging 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Honorable Mention: Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets (23.0 points, 6.7 assists. 2.7 3PTM)

Shooting Guard

Kobe Bryant (SG), L.A. Lakers

Bryant was second in the league in scoring with 31.7 points (boosted from his 41 points against Atlanta). His 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 steals just shows why you spent a top-4 pick on him in your draft.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers (27.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 3PTM)

Small Forward

Carmelo Anthony (SF), Denver Nuggets

Anthony is the leading scorer in the NBA with 37.7 points. His incredible week has included back-to back 40+ point games with a 53.6 FG%. He filled up the rest of the stat sheet with 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Honorable Mention: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics (58.3 FG%, 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 3PTM)

Power Forward

Chris Bosh (PF, C), Toronto Raptors

Bosh led all power forwards in points (31.0) and rebounds (14.7) while shooting a respectable 46.8% from the field. As an unexpected bonus, Bosh has started dropping 1.0 3PTM per game.

Honorable Mention: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks (26.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 3PTM)

Center

Dwight Howard (C), Orlando Magic

Whatever, you’re expecting a crappy FT% (63.6), so don’t act surprised. Just praise Howard for his 21.7 points and 16.0 rebounds. Don’t forget the 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks as well.

Honorable Mention: Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (20.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks)

You Could Have Done Better

Point Guard

Jason Kidd (PG), Dallas Mavericks

We all know Kidd is a stat sheet filler and won’t set the world on fire with his points. That being said, his 3.0 points and 25.0 FG% were horrendous. His other numbers (9.0 assists and 2.0 steals) show that he is better suited for real life glory and not fantasy stardom.

Honorable Mention: Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers (34.3 FG%, 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds)

Shooting Guard

John Salmons (SG, SF), Chicago Bulls

After Ben Gordon’s departure, everyone thought Salmons would step it up as a starter. Hopefully this past week isn’t an indication of his future as he shot just 27.9% fro the field, averaging only 11.7 points.

Honorable Mention: Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks (32.0 FG%, 13.0 points, will miss two weeks with knee injury)

Small Forward

Caron Butler (SG, SF), Washington Wizards

A bruised knee caused him to miss Saturday’s game. Before that, Butler was shooting 36.4% with 10.5 points, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 steals. He hopes to return Tuesday.

Honorable Mention: Richard Jefferson, San Antonio Spurs (11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 68.8 FT%)

Power Forward

Charlie Villanueva (SF, PF), Detroit Pistons

The new face in Detroit has been hampered by a sore hamstring and is shooting an ice cold 37.0% which has led to 9.0 points. His rebounds and assists have also taken a hit since last season.

Honorable Mention: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers (13.3 points, 0.3 steals, 0.5 blocks)

Center

Al Jefferson (PF, C), Minnesota Timberwolves

Big Al seems to be easing back into playing time after last year’s ACL surgery. It has effected his stats as he has put up an uncharacteristic 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds on a dismal 34.8 FG%.

Honorable Mention: Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland Cavaliers (9.0 points, carrer-low 47.2 FG%)

Players to Pick Up

Channing Frye (PF, C), Phoenix Suns

Frye has been sizzling lately thanks in large part to his ability to sink three’s. Frye is averaging 19.7 points on 58.3% shooting. He sunk a ridiculous 13 3PTM last week with six in each of his last two games. He is playing 32 minutes per game, so ride him while he is hot.

Andray Blatche (PF, C), Washington Wizards

Hey, someone has to fill in for Antawn Jamison. Blatche shot 71.8% from the field last week with 21.0 points and 6.3 rebounds. Jamison won’t be back for at least 3-5 weeks, so grab Blatche if you can.

Grant Hill (SG, SF), Phoenix Suns

Hill, despite his age, is putting up huge numbers. He is averaging almost a double-double with 20.0 points and 9.7 rebounds. The percentages are extremely good as he is shooting 52.3% with a 92.3 FT%.

Ryan Anderson (PF, C), Orlando Magic

He’s starting, and making the most of it. Anderson is scoring well with 17.3 points and is giving you valuable 3PTM with 3.7 per game. Not to mention, he isn’t killing you with FG% (52.9) or FT% (83.3).

Kelenna Azubuike (SG, SF), Golden State Warriors

Making the best out his new role as a bench player, Azubuike has been averaging a respectable 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in his limited role. He is getting you 1.5 3PTM while shooting 61.9%.

Sports of Boston Basketball League

• I start the season off on a good note with a 5-4 victory over SoB’s Teddy. I couldn’t keep up with Teddy’s absurd 47 three pointers.
• SoB’s Ty has taken a temporary hold of first place after his 7-1-1 victory.
• Recent pickups include: Ryan Gomes, Danilo Gallinari, Kenyon Martin, and Brandon Jennings.

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments
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